Single Night Photographer’s Aurora Tours in Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks, Alaska

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Select Dates in March 2026

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Fairbanks, Alaska

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Select Dates in March 2026

The same “all-in” aurora chase that you’ll find in my week-long Fairbanks aurora workshops, but in a single night.

Aurora Borealis

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, is an absolutely awe-inspiring natural wonder. If you’ve ever seen it first-hand, or ask anyone who has, this is almost certainly an understatement. It’s no wonder these spectacular lights have inspired humans’ writings (and cave paintings!) throughout religion and lore over thousands of years. Being well-positioned within the Auroral Oval, Fairbanks, Alaska is an excellent destination to see and photograph the Aurora within stunningly beautiful scenery. March is one of the best months to see the aurora because of a scientific phenomenon called the “Russell-McPherron” effect which causes auroras to be stronger during the equinox months of September and March. Also, March is one of the clearest months in Alaska with very little cloud cover – it’s possible to have clear skies every night in March! On these tours, we will spend our nights chasing the Aurora and clear skies (within a relatively close range of Fairbanks) and offer additional opportunities to explore the area by day. Through all of it, you will learn various night and low-light photography methods including, multiple exposure blending, multiple exposures for stacked processing, timelapse shooting, and various other night sky photography techniques.

Workshop Cost

  • Workshop investment is $300 per person (Solo traveler) – inquire about group rates
  • 6-9 hours total tour
  • Local pick-up and drop-off
  • Guided by a professional photographer
  • Experienced guide who understands space weather forecasting
  • Focused on seeing AND learning to photograph the aurora
  • Small group sizes
  • Aurora portraits included
  • Optional private daytime, hands-on editing / aurora science education add-on
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Highlights of the Workshop

  • While nothing is guaranteed in nature, we will use the best scientific tools and data available, combined with local knowledge plus a willingness to chase clear skies to give us excellent chances of photographing stunning auroral displays.
  • Variety of landscapes.
  • Wide variety of shooting locations available and scouted around Fairbanks, Alaska.
  • Chance to learn a number of low-light and night sky shooting techniques across a variety of conditions.
  • Late season shooting means many late nights, but lower chances of cloud cover.
  • Maximum of 4 participants means individual attention and stronger camaraderie and collaboration with fellow photographers.
  • Red Cross First Aid / CPR Certified; we also travel with StarLink GPS emergency response beacons.
  • Permitted and insured.

Teaching Topics

This night photography tour concentrates on the following teaching topics:

  • Understand the basic data and tools that help us determine the likelihood and strength of the Aurora
  • Planning and composing your shots in the field and through the use of technology
  • Getting oriented under the stars
  • Proper camera and exposure settings for night sky photography
  • Overview and usage of basic and advanced equipment
  • Calculating appropriate exposure times and settings
  • Understanding effective compositions
  • Planning and shooting composite images for clear foreground and sky
  • Shooting multiple exposures for image noise reduction

The visibility of the Northern Lights is highly dependent on weather. Light to moderate cloud cover will not prohibit us from seeing and shooting the Aurora. If we encounter dense cloud cover, we may adjust the shooting locations and/or reschedule tour dates.

Meet your Guide.

Marc Rassel

Landscape Astrophotographer. Space Nerd.
Marc is an award-winning and exhibiting landscape astrophotographer and workshop leader based in Minnesota, USA with a particular interest in astronomy. He has traveled to many locations around the world both professionally and personally, and has extensive experience photographing these landscapes and the wonders of the night sky in a wide variety of conditions. Through the experiences of owning and running an advertising and design firm, and formal training in graphic design and fine arts, he has amassed an array of skills that allow him to apply both a technical and aesthetic approach to his work and that of his students. When not leading workshops, Marc spends much of his time in the outdoors exploring and photographing the deep Northwoods of the Midwest and the mountainous landscapes of Colorado.

Recommended Equipment

  • Sturdy tripod with ball head
  • Digital SLR and/or mirrorless camera body with full manual control, preferably full-frame sensor (although cropped / APS-C will work)
  • Wide angle lens(es) with fast aperture (f2.8 or better). Some great lenses for night sky photography include the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8, Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L III, Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 (or 24mm), Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8
  • Basic headlamp
  • Remote shutter release or basic intervalometer
  • Memory cards
  • Extra batteries (at least 3 fully-charged batteries per night)
  • Camera / lens cleaning supplies

If you don’t have everything you need, please contact me, I may be able to rent you the gear you need.

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Trip Includes

  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Local transportation
  • Professional guide
  • Field instruction
  • Photography guiding and instruction throughout the trip

Trip Does NOT Include

  • Airfare
  • Camera equipment
  • Laptop / post-processing software
  • Meals out
  • Alcohol

Suggested Packing List

  • Layered, warm clothing (We are likely to experience a very cold, wide range of temperatures, potentially from -40°F to 20°F)
  • Warm base layers for legs and torso, gloves, hat, jacket, shirts, snow pants, wool socks, face mask / balaclava and footwear / snow boots suitable for extremely cold weather. (**Avoid cotton in favor of wool fibers whenever possible!)
  • Water bottles / hydration packs

**We will provide hand / foot warmers as needed throughout the workshop.

Important Workshop Information

Schedule: Upon pick-up we will get together for a meet-and-greet and introductory session including field safety, and night shooting preparation. Depending on auroral activity, overnight temperatures, and the group’s ability to stay up all night, we may be out shooting until sunrise so please be prepared for some late nights and cold temperatures – don’t worry, once the awe of the aurora has you in her grip you won’t even notice (plus we’ll keep the vehicle nice and warm!)

Arriving in Fairbanks: The nearest airport is Fairbanks International Airport.

Transportation during the Workshop: We will be traveling to and from our shooting locations via standard SUV each night with room for us and all of our gear.

Weather: Winter weather can be highly variable and unpredictable in Alaska and temperatures can be very cold.

Cancellation Policy: We reserve the right to cancel the workshop if minimum participants are not met or in the event of an emergency. If a cancellation does occur, participants may either use the fee towards a future workshop or receive a full refund. We highly recommend Travel Insurance to cover any non-refundable fees or medical coverage during the workshop.